Course Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental
Hygiene Degree Completion Program

Course Description: Provides a critical analysis
of important professional issues, with an emphasis on the application of current
research to practice and development of future policies.

Student Learning Expectations/Outcomes: After
successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Conduct and synthesize current literature reviews on selected
dental hygiene professional issues.

2. Provide well-written reports about professional issues using
the American Psychological Association publication guidelines.

3. Critically analyze information sources on the Web for validity
and usability in the development of scientific reports.

4. Develop convincing arguments that are based on current research
to recommend changes in dental hygiene regulation and practice that are in the
best interest of the public.

5. Demonstrate the computer technology skills necessary for
success in the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program and as a dental hygiene
professional.

6. Adapt a personal learning style that enhances student success
in the on line Dental Hygiene Degree Completeion Program.

Course Structure/Approach: This is the first
required course for students entering the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion
Program. It is a Web class as are all the dental hygiene courses taken by these
distance students. It requires independent thought and self motivation. Active
participation in on line discussions is required. The textbook, websites and
library readings will be the basis for the assignments but independent research
is also necessary. Students are encouraged to share their previous knowledge and
professional experiences regarding course topics. Opportunities to select areas
of personal interest for course assignments will be encouraged.

Discussion of Professional Autonomy and Protection of the Public
Issues

Articles

Module 6

June 26 - July 2

Change Theory Related to Dental Hygiene Practice

Final Paper is Due

Articles

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes:

The grade will be determined by the total points received for
completion of course requirements.

Assignment

Possible Points

Due Date

Introductions

5

6/02/04

Assessment of Learning Style

10

6/03/04

Evaluation of Computer Skills

15

6/07/04

Project Topic Selection

10

6/16/04

Literature Synthesis

25

6/21/04

Discussions (5@5 points each)

25

Varies

Peer Review of the Literature Synthesis

25

6/25/04

Final Paper

70

7/02/04

Grading Scale:

180 - 200 points = A

160 - 179 points = B

146 - 159 points = C

130 - 145 points = D

Less than 130 points = F

Course Assignments:

Introductions (5 points) During the first day of
class, the students will post a personal introduction that lets others know
about their backgrounds, dental hygiene experience, and career goals.

Assessment of Learning Style (10 points) Students
will assess their learning style using a learning inventory and report how their
dominant learning styles match the requirements of on line learning. They will
make recommendations to improve their potential for success in the Dental
Hygiene Degree Completion Program.

Dental Hygiene History (15) Students will analyze
a chapter from 2 dental hygiene textbooks and discuss how the dental hygiene
profession has progressed and how it has stayed the same.

Evaluation of Computer Skills (15 points) Using
the NAU Online Learners Guide, students will report their challenges and develop
a plan to gain the skills necessary for success as a distance learner.

Final Paper Topic Selection (10 points) Students
will select a topic of interest related to dental hygiene professional issues
and provide a plan for completion of the final paper.

Literature Synthesis (25 points) Using the
approved topic for the final paper, students will provide a critical review of a
minimum of 5 references. A minimum of 4 references must be from peer reviewed
journals. One reference will be from a web site and it must be evaluated using
the questions from the critical thinking about web sources reading.

Discussions (5 @ 5 points each) Students will
participate in 5 discussion throughout the course. The discussions will include
answers to questions about dental hygiene professional development, regulation,
education and accreditation, professional autonomy and protection of the
public.

Peer Review (25 points) Each student will respond
to a classmate's literature synthesis and provide at least one area of strength
and one area for improvement for each of 5 references.

Final Paper (70 points) The final paper must be a
minimum of five pages, double spaced, following the APA manuscript preparation
style. There must be a minimum of 8 references. All the references must be from
peer reviewed, dental professional publications except one may be from an online
source.

Course Policies:

Students are expected to read the assigned materials, participate
in discussions and turn in the assignments on time. Late assignments or
discussions will result in a grade of 0. All course work must be submitted in
the DH 350 WEBCT course. If there are problems with how to use WEBCT or how to
submit assignments, students should contact the Student Help Desk at (888)
520-7215. No extra credit is available for this course.

Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Credit for the
original source of information, whether they are direct quotes or paraphrasing
of information, must be provided in all assignments. Failure to do so will
result in a 0 for that assignment. Cheating or plagiarism may result in
University disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

The University policies including: Safe Working and Learning
Environment, Students with Disabilities, Institutional Review Board and Academic
Integrity are available at
http://www.jan.ucc.nau.edu/academicadmin/plcystmt.html.